Mark Shields Duo
Thursday, June 15 - 7:00 PM @ Beaver Den

Tulsa-born guitarist Scott Ellison got his blues bonafides when he played with Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown in the 1980's, and has buillt a great resume over the years, playing with acts like The Box Tops and Peaches and Herb. Building his own band in the 1990's, Scott has opened for greats like BB King and Buddy Guy.

Memphis-born Eric Gales picked up the guitar at the tender age of four, learning to play from his brothers Eugene and Manuael, who performs as Little Jimmy King. Naturally right-handed, Eric learned to play the guitar left-handed and "upside down" from his left-handed brother. Signed to Elektrra Records in 1990, Gales has gone on to record 18 albums. He performed with Carlos Santana at Woodstock '94, and joined Billy Cox, Eric Johnson, Chris Layton, Doyle Bramhall II, Brad Whitford and Mitch Mitchell for the Hendrix tribute tour, Experience Hendrix.

Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal's combination of soul, funk and R&B is in a word, electric. Best displayed in their high-energy live show, the blend of Hoyer's honest lyrics and his soulful vocals merge with his top-notch band to create an undeniable chemistry.

The magic of their live show caught the attention of producer Ken Coomer (Wilco, Uncle Tupelo), who joined with the band to record their third full-length album at Nashville's historic Sound Emporium. The album is set for release on April 8, 2016, on Silver Street Records, and will be released on vinyl, CD and digital formats.

"If James Brown and Otis Redding had a love child, it would be Josh Hoyer." - No Depression

Cori Jay
Friday, June 16 - 6:00 PM @ New Delhi

Making music has always been a part of Cori J's life. The coos and caas of a baby turned into silly children's songs. "At 14 I found a guitar under my mom's bed. Momma said, 'If you want to play then cut of your fingernails and go sit on the front porch.' She taught me three simple chords and I have been writing music ever since. Music has always been there for me. It has allowed me to express the best of times, and has carried me through the worst. Being home has given me the opportunity to give music the attention it deserves."

Cori J is playing gigs at various clubs around Springfield and the Ozarks, and is in the studio recording her first album. "When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a scientist or a rock star when I grew up. Now, I am both, and I never want to grow up."

Norman Jackson Band
Friday, June 16 - 7:30 PM @ Cathouse Beer Garden

Norman Jackson and his band took third place at this year's International Blues Challenge. Norman was born in Canton Ohio and grew up in Detroit and Chicago singing alongside Ben E King, Sam Cooke, P Funk, and many of the fathers of Soul & Blues music. It's not often that you find a genuine voice like Norman's. He is an absolute virtuoso as a guitarist. At one moment he'll sear you with a blazing solo and the next he'll soothe you with the smoothest of licks.

September's End
Friday, June 16 - 7:30 PM @ Rowdy Beaver

Fayetteville's September's End is Bob Bruder on drums, Vikki Cunningham on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Tom Smith on lead guitar and Chris Mitchem on bass and back-up vocals. Get on your dancing shoes and enjoy a mix of high energy songs!

Victor Wainwright and his band The Wildroots packed the Barefoot Ballroom during the 2013 Blues Weekend, and is back for 2017! Victor has since been nominated for five Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year Awards, winning twice. In 2016 The Wildroots won the Blues Music Award for Band of the Year, and Victor won the most prestigious award in the Blues world-- the BB King Entertainer of the Year award. Even Billboard took note when his "Boom Town" went to #5 on their charts.

Their show is best described as high-octane boogie piano with soulful vocals backed by one of the most gifted Blues bands around. Wear good socks and remember dancing shoes are optional but dancing isn't, as the Barefoot Ballroom is THE place to boogie barefoot to the Blues!

A ticket to the show is part of our VIP Weekend Package, so get yours before they sell out!

Jilla Jackson Band
Friday, June 16 - 9:00 PM @ Beaver Den

Bio coming soon!

Patrick Sweany
Friday, June 16 - 10:00 PM @ Chelsea's Corner Cafe

Patrick Sweany likes the spaces in between.

On a given night (or on a given album) he'll swing through blues, folk, soul, bluegrass, maybe some classic 50s rock, or a punk speedball. He's a musical omnivore, devouring every popular music sound of the last 70 years, and mixing 'em all together seamlessly into his own stew. Yet, the one thing that most people notice about Patrick isn't his ability to copy - it's his authenticity. Like his heroes, artists like Bobby "Blue" Bland, Doug Sahm, Joe Tex, Patrick somehow manages to blend all of these influences into something all his own...

Eric Matthews Band
Saturday, June 17 - Noon @ Rowdy Beaver

Mike began singing in public at the ripe old age of four. However, the songwriting bug did not bite until 1995. Since then, he has been writing an eclectic catalog of a mixture of Rock, Country and Blues. Mike has competed in the International Blues Challenge in both Arkansas and Oklahoma. He has hit the Ourstage top 40 blues charts 11 times and scored a number one song on the Ourstage.com.

Jimmy Wayne Garrett represented our area at the 2016 Interntaional Blues Challenge in Memphis. Jimmy is an Arkansas born singer/songwriter and blues guitar player whose passion for blues music spans the American art form from its beginning to its current evolutionary status. Garrett believes in remaining true to one's genuine self and living through artistic expressions to make the world a better place.

Free Hohner harmonicas for the first 50 kids, plus a quick lesson on how to play a blues song from Kansas City blues historian and harmonica master Tom Baker! Baker has fronted The Blues Notions for almost four decades, making them one of Kansas City's longest running bands.

Brick Fields Band
Saturday, June 17 - 2:00 PM @ Chelsea's Corner Cafe

Larry Brick and Rachel Fields are not only husband and wife, but an amazing duo. Larry's guitar playing backs Rachel's vocals, which are filled with soul and emotion. They have entertained Blues Lovers as far away as Israel!

Nick Schnebelen Band
Saturday, June 17 - 2:20 PM @ Turpentine Creek

Nick Schnebelen first played Eureka Springs Blues Weekened ten years ago as part of his family band, Trampled Under Foot. They came to Eureka Springs shortly after winning the International Blues Challenge, where Nick also won the Albert King Award for best guitarist. Since then, Nick has earned two Blues Music Awards, and has played in dozens of countries around the world.

Fiona Boyes
Saturday, June 17 - 4:10 PM @ Turpentine Creek

Fiona Boyes, an Australian blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, has been recording and performing for more than 25 years, building a career that has taken her to major festivals and stages around the world. A veteran recording artist with 13 releases, Australia's first lady of the Blues has been honored with 7 USA Blues Music Award nominations in 5 different categories over the years, including 2 nominations for this year's Blues Music Awards - 'Acoustic Artist of the Year' and 'Acoustic Album of the Year' - for her latest release 'Professin' the Blues'.

She's also received more than 30 Australian music awards, spanning the blues, folk, jazz and Americana scenes. Fiona's immersion in the wide musical and historical traditions that make up the Blues and her deep love of the art-form itself lends conviction and authenticity to her playing and songwriting.

Toronzo Cannon
Saturday, June 17 - 6:00 PM @ Turpentine Creek

Throughout the history of Chicago blues, the intensely competitive local club scene has served as a proving ground, where only the best musicians rise to the top. Iconic blues artists from Muddy Waters to Howlin' Wolf to Koko Taylor to Hound Dog Taylor to Luther Allison all paid their dues in the Chicago blues bars before making their mark on the world. The same holds true today, as newcomers look to living legends like Buddy Guy, Eddy Clearwater and Lil' Ed Williams for inspiration in taking their music from Chicago to fans across the globe. Now, Chicago-born-and-raised blues guitarist /vocalist/songwriter Toronzo Cannon is ready to write his own story as he claims his place as one of the city's most popular and innovative blues musicians.

Los Roscoes
Saturday, June 17 - 6:00 PM @ Cathouse Beer Garden

Eureka Springs' own Los Roscoes play your favorites and some great original blues! They are David Blankenship on lead guitar, Adam Moraga on bass and vocals, and
Brian Martin on drums.

Katie & The Girls
Saturday, June 17 - 6:00 PM @ Chelsea's Corner Cafe

Katy Guillen and The Girls may have deep roots in the blues, thanks to leader Guillen's considerable skills and long history as a blues guitarist, but this trio - Katy Guillen (guitar, vocals), Claire Adams (bass, vocals), and Stephanie Williams (drums) - brings a wide range of talents and tastes to the band's sound. Guillen's searing and lively licks, William's heavy, driving drums, and Adams's rock-solid bass create a dense sonic background for Guillen's honest and powerful lyrics, delivered with soul and verve and complemented by Adams's intense harmonies.

Cori Jay
Saturday, June 17 - 6:00 PM @ New Delhi

Making music has always been a part of Cori J's life. The coos and caas of a baby turned into silly children's songs. "At 14 I found a guitar under my mom's bed. Momma said, 'If you want to play then cut of your fingernails and go sit on the front porch.' She taught me three simple chords and I have been writing music ever since. Music has always been there for me. It has allowed me to express the best of times, and has carried me through the worst. Being home has given me the opportunity to give music the attention it deserves."

Cori J is playing gigs at various clubs around Springfield and the Ozarks, and is in the studio recording her first album. "When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a scientist or a rock star when I grew up. Now, I am both, and I never want to grow up."

Fronted by brothers Dick and Dave Pruitt on bass and electric guitars, with Michael Cherry on drums, the Bel Airs play a danceable mix with an authentic but eclectic bluesy-country-soul-and-rock-n-roll sound influenced by the likes of Wilson Picket, Slim Harpo, Howlin' Wolf and Johnny Cash.

Living on the road and playing clubs from "Austin to Boston", the Bel Airs are carrying on the tradition of American Rhythm and Blues. The band is fronted by brothers Dick and Dave Pruitt on bass and electric guitars. Growing up on country soul and rock-n-roll, the Pruitt brothers have developed a harmony vocal style all their own. They have been performing together for more than 30 years, wowing audiences nightly with their unique brand of music- leading one reviewer to refer to them as the "Everly Brothers of Blues."

Jilla Jackson Band
Saturday, June 17 - 7:30 PM @ Rowdy Beaver

Bio coming soon!

Blew Reed & the Flatheads
Saturday, June 17 - 9:00 PM @ Beaver Den

Reed & The Flatheads was formed in 2010. Blew Reed is the lead singer & harmonica player, and is backed by Ken "Big Daddy" Cover on lead guitar & vocals, Jason Freeman on bass and Chongo "Manchild" Bailey on the drums...

Patrick Sweany
Saturday, June 17 - 10:00 PM @ Chelsea's Corner Cafe

Patrick Sweany likes the spaces in between.

On a given night (or on a given album) he'll swing through blues, folk, soul, bluegrass, maybe some classic 50s rock, or a punk speedball. He's a musical omnivore, devouring every popular music sound of the last 70 years, and mixing 'em all together seamlessly into his own stew. Yet, the one thing that most people notice about Patrick isn't his ability to copy - it's his authenticity. Like his heroes, artists like Bobby "Blue" Bland, Doug Sahm, Joe Tex, Patrick somehow manages to blend all of these influences into something all his own...

Melissa Carper
Sunday, June 18 - Noon @ New Delhi

Bio Coming Soon!

Terri and Brett
Sunday, June 18 - 1:00 PM @ Beaver Den

From Terri and The Executives come Terri Swint playing keyboard and lead vocals and Brett Hamman on lead guitar and vocals, you are goig to enjoy some great blues from these two amazing musicans!

We start Father's Day with some down-home gospel and soul with Brick Field's Gospel Brunch! Larry Brick and Rachel Fields are not only husband and wife, but an amazing duo that has performed their Gospel Brunch every year for our Father's Day Blues Picnic at Turpentine Creek. Rachel is blessed with vocals filled with soul and emotion that have entertained Blues Lovers as far away as Israel!

Patrick Sweany
Sunday, June 18 - 2:00 PM @ Chelsea's Corner Cafe

Patrick Sweany likes the spaces in between.

On a given night (or on a given album) he'll swing through blues, folk, soul, bluegrass, maybe some classic 50s rock, or a punk speedball. He's a musical omnivore, devouring every popular music sound of the last 70 years, and mixing 'em all together seamlessly into his own stew. Yet, the one thing that most people notice about Patrick isn't his ability to copy - it's his authenticity. Like his heroes, artists like Bobby "Blue" Bland, Doug Sahm, Joe Tex, Patrick somehow manages to blend all of these influences into something all his own...

Sister Lucille
Sunday, June 18 - 2:20 PM @ Turpentine Creek

Sister Lucille is a high energy female fronted Blues and Roots band that have been working hard to spread their soulful rendition of blues/roots/rock music across the Mid West! With regular performances at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, MS and their debut on World Famous Beale Street at The Rum Boogie Cafe, Sister's take on the Blues is turning heads and gaining exposure! They performed at the 31st annual Music Pioneer Awards in Memphis Tn and were honored with the "Most Promising New Artist 2016" award! In addition they were also invited to play storefront at the King Biscuit Blues Festival and the Hard Rock Cafe in Memphis! In 2015 the band made semifinals at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tn! The band is currently working on thier second album after achieving sucess with their debut album "Walkin' Shoes".

EG Kight
Sunday, June 18 - 3:30 PM @ Turpentine Creek

"The Georia Songbird", singer/songwriter EG Kight has been nominated for seven Blues Music Awards, and has appeared on NPR's A Prairie Home Companion, Mountain Stage, and Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour. A prolific songwriter, EG's songs have been recorded by greats like Koko Taylor, Dorothy Moore, Shaun Murphy, Saffire-the Uppity Blues Women, Ann Rabson and Bob Margolin, Lisa Biales, The Castaways, Reba Russell and Canada's Shakura S'Aida.

EG Kight played our first Blues Weekend, and was one of the artists that got to meet "BB King", one of the two tigers that were born at Turpentine Creek that weekend.

All-Star Jam
Sunday, June 18 - 4:30 PM @ Turpentine Creek

We've invited all the artists from the various venues to join us for an All-Star jam to end Blues Weekend!

All acts, times and venues are subject to change.

Top Ten Most Beautiful Blues Festivals in the World!

We were honored by American Blues scene as one of the top ten most beautiful blues festivals in the world in 2015. Other festivals included were the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Blues From the Top and the Waterfront Blues Festival.

Our Sponsors

Thanks to all the sponsors that make Blues Weekend possible!

A Fundraiser for TCWR

Blues Weekend is a fundraiser for Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, along with several area charities. Turpentine Creek gives lifetime refuge to over 100 lions, tigers and bears, as well as other unwanted, abused or neglected exotic animals, while teaching that "Big Cats Don't Make Good Pets" to thousands of visitors and school children every year.